MLS NEXT Pro today announced Jason Shackell as the league’s 2026 Coach of the Year. In his first season as the team’s Head Coach, Shackell guided the team to a first-place overall finish during the regular season and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs.
Shackell’s side sealed its spot in the playoffs during Matchweek 23 with a home win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, the earliest playoff clinch in MLS NEXT Pro history. The team also set a new league record for most consecutive wins (10) and tied the record for most wins in a regular season (19). Defensively, ATXFC II kept the most shutouts (15) and allowed the fewest goals (21) of any team in MLS NEXT Pro.
Shackell initially joined the Austin FC Academy as a U-15 assistant coach in February 2021 following the conclusion of his playing career and took over as U-16 Head Coach in 2024. Originally from England, Shackell played over 500 professional soccer matches in his home country between 2003 and 2020. His career highlights include three promotions to the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich City FC, and Burnley FC, winning an EFL Championship title with Wolves in 2009, being selected to the PFA Championship Team of the Year with Burnley in 2014, and winning EFL League Two with Lincoln City in 2019 while being selected to the PFA League Two Team of the Year.
Austin FC II began its playoff campaign with a 2-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes II Iast Sunday night. The team now prepares to host LAFC2 on October 25 at 7:30 p.m. CT at Parmer Field in the Western Conference Semifinals.
